Mexican cinema in a good phase after comeback
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Alan Jonsson Gavicas first feature film, Morenita, deals with one of Mexicos greatest icons the Virgin of Guadalupe. Worshiped in the country and in Latin America, her sanctuary attracts large crowds. The story of the saint and her cloak has been the object of books for over 30 years. After reading some of these books, the director became interested in the subject and created the story for his film. The script, which was also written by Alan, tells the tale of a desperate man who is trying to save his family from drug dealers and ends up kidnapping the Virgin of Guadalupes statue for ransom.

During a chat with journalist Rubens Ewald Filho at Clube da Mostra, on Tuesday 29, Alan said that while it has a few comic moments, his film is not a comedy. The director also said he was surprised with the good response Morenita had in festivals, as his is not a film within the normal standards of productions commonly shown in this type of event. After its release in the 32nd São Paulo International Film Festival, the film has already been invited to participate in film festivals in France, Canada and Argentina.

The director explained that Mexican critics draw a very clear line between art and commercial films. Productions with many copies or that attract a large public are not usually well thought of by critics in his country. Similar to what is happening in Brazil, Mexican cinema is going through a comeback. According to Alan, this new popularity began in 1993 with Like Water for Chocolate. And there is also a new generation of actors, such as Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Ana Claudia Talacón and Ana Serradilla.
Alan declared he likes old Mexican cinema, with its great actors and directors. The cast of his film includes 83-year-old Ignacio Lopez Tarso, who was part of that generation. The director also draws attention to the fact that although there are many famous and known actors in Mexico, the country does not have a star system as the US. Like Brazil and other Latin countries, Mexican films suffer with the competition of American cinema, but quality local productions can attract the public.

43ª MOSTRA INTERNACIONAL DE CINEMA

43ª MOSTRA INTERNACIONAL DE CINEMA